River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1887-12-29

pang awakened at the effect OF Natalie's ap-
pearance upon Fairfax. She tried to laugh
her uncomfortable feeling away, but IN
vain
At last, she determined 70 find out why
Fairfax had become so embarrassed by
Natalie's presencs Now that the latter had
gone, Lydia's cavalier was himself again
She had no rival. He was hers-at least,
for the time being, and she resolved 70
make the most of her opportunity.
Always an admirable dancer, she put
forth extraordinary efforts TO Guido herself
With Fairfax, all was unconscious abandon
ment to the moment His spirits infected
hers The music was ravshing. In a
dream they seemed 20 float around the room
Passing by one Of the s-indows, he dexter
ously guided her toward 1t, and, arm In
arm, by tacit consent, they passed out, on
TO the balcony.
Fountains played softly around them in
the moonlight. The delicate, subtle per-
fume Of flowers was waited by, on the
balmy air. The music, sOftened by dis
lance, was breath of poesy and tender
ness. while the glorious moonlight glittered
and shimmered through the patterIng leaves
overhead.
This was her opportunity. But 1t was
his, too. Her viii was no longer predomi-
nant She was half in love with, and most
decidedly interested in, this original, strange
fellow She could not deciphcr him; yet
knew that he was worthier, better and far
more to be respected than the society tops
who had hitherto surrounded her.
On the other hand, he simply admired this
magnificent creature. That was all He
had cold -bloodedly formed plan. That plan
required the assistance of the Lady Lydia.
He was himself again; self-possessed,
knowing what he wanted, what were the
best methods by which TO obtain IL; anN,
above all, thoroughly self-reliant-
Lydia, on the contrary, seemed TO have
lost her usual aplomb and keenness She
realized that he was more than match for
her, and that her will must submit to his,
this time, at least.
With a sigh. she awaited his remarks.
$50 the Princess Natalie is your fricndf"
asked he, boldly opening the battle.
"Ycs, my dearest friend" she answered,
half-sadly, her large, thoughtful eyes, all
the time, quietly observing the effect of her
words.
Poor Natalushkal She lost her brother,
recently. and has never quite recovered
from the blow. Hers is a strong, affection
ate nature that, loving once, loves for
ever"
Lydia could see the CLEAN In her com
panioa's eyes as she said this.
'She is spending her summer here, but
leaves soon for Lake Maggiore, where her
family is staying. Il was there her brother
was killed. For that reason, she greatly
dislilIcs the place. Her stay there is always
short. She lives very quietly here and
avoids society. She came tonight, solely &c
crafty the Marquis and his wife"
But" said she, suddenly. observing how
eagerly he was listening, and thinking that
he had forgotten himself, IF you don't know
her, why were you so disturbed at her sud
den appearance on the stairsln
Fairfax was on his guard in an instant
''Oh." replied he, with 4 cleverly-uttered
sigh and quite truthfully and naturally.
''only because she reminded me Of q recent
little incident in my career"
rs that incident q secretf inquired she,
archly.
Il think il scarcely worth while relating"
answered he, with a faint smile
We'll" said Lydia, shrcwdly dropping
the subject, Ito return to Natalie, one effect
OF her brothers death upon her is that she
shuns not only society but, in every way,
mems society-especially that of young
men. Suitors there would, but may not be;
for she refuses not only to speak with
them, but even 20 see them"
The willy speaker observed Fairfax close
" during these words, but the face Of that
individual was as immovable as that of
statue.
Come, = said he, ''lct us go back"
The same waltz was still in progress in
the ballroom. The same enhancing
strains enticed the nimble dancers to per
form feats Of grace and skill, but Fairfax
was no longer the same. lie waltzed me
chanically.
Lydia perceived the chang and felt
piqued al it, but was more annoyed with her
selffor allowing such an interest in an I'M
known American, so far below her in rank.
Presently she said;
Let US stop and go into the hall"
There she found her chaperon, who re
minded her of the late hour
Turning Unexpectedly TO Fairfax and
looking him full in the face with her mar
Vicious eyes, she held out her hand with the